Written in the mode of an autobiography, Black Beauty recounts the story of a horse’s life in 19th century England.

Black Beauty has various owners and occupations. His early life as a foal is spent growing up on a farm with his mother. However, he is later used as a cab horse and a work horse before becoming settled with a family in the English countryside.

The novel illustrates to children that animals are dependent on their owners for their welfare. At different stages Black Beauty has various ailments caused by bad or ignorant treatment. However, he also encounters others who treat him well and nurse him back to health. All this against the backdrop of Victorian England.

The Silver Brumby series follow the adventures of Thowra, a brumby stallion who lives in the Snowy Mountains in the Australian high country.

Beautifully written, with detailed descriptions of Australian flora and fauna the book follows the saga of Thowra who becomes “king” of the brumbies and the lives of those in his herd.

Author Elyne Mitchell lived in the Snowy Mountains and possessed a clear love and knowledge for horses and nature which is bought out in this beautiful and much loved series of novels.

3. The Princess and the Foal by Stacy Gregg

The title and cover may imply this is a very “girly” or fairy tale-like novel. But in actual fact “The Princess and the Foal” is a story that is based on truth. It was inspired by the real life example of Princess Haya Bint Hussein who has competed in the equestrian at Olympic level.

First published in 1941 the Black Stallion tells the story of Alec and his stallion. In the first part of the novel Alec survives a shipwreck along with an untamed black stallion. The pair eventually become bonded and when Alec is rescued he takes him home and eventually trains him to race.